Didn’t get the job. I know the person who did. Help me get over the disappointment.

[IndigoBlueMauve]

So my boss is leaving and I got an interview for his job. My interview was okay but not brilliant. I’m just not very good at interviews. I wasn’t expecting to have gotten it after my performance but you always hope. To be honest, I thought they would pick the other internal candidate and while I wouldn’t have been thrilled to miss out, they’re alright and seem like a good manager.

Apparently an external candidate came in and “smashed it”. Unfortunately, it’s someone I know. I previously worked alongside them. I know that they’re great at interviews. Must be as they change jobs every couple of years.

I also know they’re considerably better at interviews than they are in role. When I worked alongside them doing pretty much the same job at the same place (not where we work now) they delivered way less and took much longer to do it. Don’t get me wrong they’re competent but, well, that’s it. I also know ex-colleagues we both worked with rate me and the work I delivered much more highly.

So I’m feeling pretty peeved right about now. How do I handle my disappointment with not getting the job - and more particularly my disappointment at who did? They’re going to be my manager. Advice welcome.

And yes, I want to stay at the company, at least for the time being.

If they change jobs every couple of years, they'll be off again.

Yes, and no. I’m aware of their personal circs and I strongly suspect they will be lingering this time unfortunately. 😣

Ugh that sucks. I’d probably start looking around for other roles tbh.

Sometimes its harder as an internal applicant. Its much more tempting to be humble about achievements and not say relevant points because it seems obvious.

I dont know how it works where you are but ours is ultimately points based and its sometimes just who gets on the day

You haven't lost anything by applying? You are in no worse position than if you let it bypass you. Sometimes it means that your ambition is noted, and people can offer you the right training opportunities or keep you in mind for other vacancies

In this situation myself only further down the line. It’s been awful - they’re shit at the job and I’m doing my work and having to correct all their stuff too. Unfortunately they have other unpleasant personality traits too. I’m desperate to leave whereas I was quite happy in my job before they started. A classic case of someone employed well above their level of competence.

Oh that’s a bit shit OP. Is it the type of situation where they might be better at the management side than doing the actual work? And if they turn out not to be, they’ll struggle in this new role surely?

Would you consider saying something to the hiring manager? Generally with hiring outside the company, hiring managers are cautious and should be keen to hear feedback from people who have worked with them previously or even have heard of them.

It's really shit but happens all the time. People who just talk the talk

I don't have any advice sorry OP but lots of sympathy. Something similar happened in my last job. We had a guy in as a temp filling a role for quite a long time. He was good at the job and well liked by both clients and colleagues. Nothing spectacular but a safe pair of hands who fitted in with the team. When the job was eventually made permanent he applied and we all assumed it was a formality. Unfortunately our organisation used a points based system at interview and he didn't do very well so we ended up with an external candidate who was nowhere near as good and caused quite a lot of problems. I'm not convinced that some of these policies designed to make recruitment fairer and more objective actually do anyone any favours to be honest. I hope things work out better than you're expecting.

Well there’s 2 choices, either crack on with good Grace and acceptance or leave.

Its bloody shitty though.

I’ve been in a similar situation and thought I could crack on but life was made very difficult and uncomfortable so I left because of this person after over 20 years in the job I absolutely loved.
I often wonder what they think about it and if they have any remorse. I doubt that they do.
They have now moved on and did so not long after I left which is infuriating.

Given that the OP applied for the job and didn't get it, I would strongly advise against doing this. Especially not at this point where the offer has been made and accepted.

Oh that's rubbish @IndigoBlueMauve I'm sorry this has happened to you. I know it's a stretch but hopefully she'll prove to be a better manager than you think, or at the very least, someone you can tolerate. Give it time - these things often turn out better than we expect them to.

I would have to say to current boss " Oh, I've worked with him before, "...silence. Possibly head tilt , tinkly laugh, if I thought I could pull that off.

I’m so sorry you’re in this situation. I really hope things improve for you soon. Do others realise? Are you looking for something else?

Yes, it’s possible. I was never managed by them. As other posters have mentioned, it was the case of a points based system.

Ultimately I just don’t think interviews are a particularly good indication of who’d do a good job/hiring practice - but then I’m not it’s not something I excel at, so I would think that!

Yeah, I won’t be doing that. I’ll be being very circumspect. Too many big mouths at the company!

I know you are upset I have been there.
I did so much interview training now that I no longer do bad interviews.

When they leave, be ready.

Any training you’d recommend?

Stop correcting their work. They can’t get better if you’re covering for them all the time - it’s not good for you or them. Just make sure you cover your own arse in case they try to throw you under a bus.

I agree with the PP who has said you either get on with the job in good grace or you leave.

You didn’t interview as well as they did so they were selected ahead of you. That’s how it works.

Being good at interviews is a learnable skill, not a personality trait. Use this experience as a trigger to learn it and get applying for better jobs, and later you will look back and think how glad you are you didn't get this one.

But yeah it's shit.

You work on improving your interview skills so it doesn’t happen again!

Dont do this, you will look bitter and jealous. Worst Job advice ever.

op, you’re just going to have to approach this with an open mind, and work with them like you would with anyone else. Or look for other jobs and leave.

there were two of you internal candidates
so you are both in the same boat
grin and bear it
it was probably for the best op

I’ve been there. Be a grown up professional and get on with your job. Give your new boss a chance. They might have matured since you last worked together.

Keep looking for a new job too.